The strictest water restrictions are now in effect across the West Central Florida region. The Southwest Florida Water Management District announced that Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, and Sumter counties; portions of Charlotte, Highlands, and Lake counties; the City of Dunnellon and The Villages in Marion County; and the portion of Gasparilla Island in Charlotte County are under Phase III extreme water restrictions starting April 3 and continuing through July 1.
The region has a rainfall deficit of over 13 inches. As the ground continues to dry out, aquifers, lakes, and river levels are declining, and public water supplies are extremely low for this time of year. We are still going through the peak of the dry season, and aside from the next cold front—which could bring some scattered showers—the forecast calls for dry conditions to persist. The Climate Prediction Center calls for below-average rainfall through April, with a gradual uptick as we move into May, which is typically the start of the rainy season across many regions of Florida.
Keep in mind that your city or county may have additional water restrictions in place, so it is best to check their websites as well. Unless your city or county already has stricter hours in effect, watering hours are limited to 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Properties one acre or larger may only water before 4 a.m. and after 8 p.m., unless stricter local rules apply. The restrictions apply to residents on private wells; however, reclaimed water is only subject to voluntary watering hours unless restricted by the local government or utility.
Water only on the days specified according to how your address ends:…